Speaker system for apartment?

[jmy350z]

Here is what I have so far.Sony KDSR60XBR1,Arcam AVR350,and I will be using my PS3 for my dvd player. I wanted to get some input on some speakers for this system. I am in an apartment. My living room is 15'6x16' with 8' ceilings.My system is going to be used equally for music and dvd's. I just want a great sounding system form my place. I guess the speakers would be mounted on stands,since I do not want to be making a bunch of holes in my walls. I have around 4 grand to spend. This is the last peice of the puzzle.I want to finally get this all done. Give me some ideas. Thanks. john

 

[jaxvon]

Just start going out to your local hi-fi stores. I'd set aside about $1000-$1500 for a subwoofer (two would be better), so look around for a set of speakers that fits the rest of the budget. There are many options locally, as well as internet direct. The ID brands get pushed a lot here, and while I do not think they're all they're made out to be, it's definitely a viable option.

Other things to think about:

- Acoustical treatments. Your room and speakers are the biggest influence on the sound you hear. Spend your money here before anything else. Since you've already purchased the "else", be sure to include some budget for fixing the acoustics in your room.

- Multiple subs. Multiple subwoofers not only offer more powerful bass, but also more even bass and better imaging when used in a true stereo setup.

Edit: If I were to suggest a brand of speaker to check out, it would be Vandersteen. The 2CE signatures with matching surrounds and center should just about fit your budget. The only caveat here is that they are floorstanding speakers, and I do not know if you want to go this route (the 2ce sigs only, the surrounds can be mounted on stands and whatnot).

 

[Seth=L]

Jeez, two subs in an apartment. Don't you think that is a bit much. I already have problems with my neighbors getting mad about my wimpy RCA/Tandy 12" sub.

 

[robot]

So it's going to be a 5 speaker setup? Depending on how thick your walls are you might want to skip the subwoofer for now. You can always add one later.

I just bought some Axiom m80s for my apartment but I'm finding that they are too big for my space (around 11ft x 25ft). Or at least I think that's why they sound the way they do.

I'm pretty sure that I'll be returning them and purchasing B&W 603s. I was really impressed when I listened to them and other B&Ws at a local hifi shop.

The next step is to go listen! Don't buy anything the first time you hear it! Make sure you review the return or exchange policy before you buy!

 

[Bee-Man]

With 4K - this is what I would do....actually it is what I have done.....

Buy two systems here.....

Home Cinema: SVS system with the sub upgrade for ~ US$1,00.00 and get the YAMAHA 659 or the 2500 that is on sale (see the other threads)...total cost of ~ US$1,600.00 plus cables etc - say 2K all up..... this is for a very big sound.

One very reasonable alternative is the Hsu Research Ventriliquist with the VT2-MK2 sub (US$750) with the YAmaha RX-V559 for a total of around US$1,200 incl cables etc.... that to me would be good enough for your size room and the sound is very, very acceptable...good sub and centre in this system also. I run this exact system very happily.

Spend the rest on two nice music speakers and a good amp.....second hand is the way to go for the amp. I just dont think that AV receivers generally make for good music amps - unless you spend a bunch of money....

Hope it helps...just my two cents.

 

[jaxvon]

True, I forgot about the apartment thing. If he has full range towers then then two subs won't be necessary. Money could be put towards a Bass Shaker of some sort. If he ends up with bookshelves, stereo subs would be good to have.

 

[abboudc]

True, I forgot about the apartment thing. If he has full range towers then then two subs won't be necessary. Money could be put towards a Bass Shaker of some sort. If he ends up with bookshelves, stereo subs would be good to have.

Your neighbors must love you...

 

[jaxvon]

Your neighbors must love you...

They do!

Just because you have two subwoofers doesn't mean that you need to blast your system to prove what you can do with those subs. I'm only suggesting two because it will result in better sound. The bass shaker was proposed because it's a way for you to feel the bass on your couch (or whatever seating you have) without shaking the whole room (and consequently your neighbors' rooms). Remember, a high quality system sounds good at all levels.